Rockville Centre Herald 06-18-2026

Celebrating growth, courage and hope

Eleven graduates and two mental health interns were honored at SIBSPlace’s annual moving-up ceremony and prom on June 11, marking milestones ranging from graduating kindergarten to obtaining advanced degrees in mental health counseling and school psychology. Story, more photos, Page 3.

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

than the 63 spaces required under village code.

Ithink

the new hotel will benefit our downtown

By ALYssA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

A popular summer tradition in Rockville Centre will be celebrated once again, as one of the village’s most beloved community events brings live performances and a festive atmosphere to a public space where residents of all ages come together.

“Music on the Green” is set to return this summer, bringing music, community spirit and neighborhood gatherings back to the Village Green, on Maple Avenue.

What began as a former resident’s simple idea has grown into a popular seasonal tradition that

summer season

Music on the Green returns for another

draws families and friends together for evenings of free outdoor entertainment. The event launched in 2018, after Marc Derkatch approached Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley with the idea of creating a community-centered concert series that combined music, local food and a welcoming atmosphere.

The first concert started as “Family Night in the Park Series” in 2019 featuring the band, “Terence of Witches Brew,” and a handful of food trucks. The event proved successful, leading organizers to expand it into a series, with additional performances. Attendance grew, and more vendors got involved, before the pandemic forced Tim Baker/Herald

Plans for a new hotel on the former La-Z-Boy Furniture property in Rockville Centre continue to advance through village and Town of Hempstead review processes, though multiple approvals are still required before construction can begin. The proposal calls for a three-story, 63-suite Tru by Hilton hotel on the vacant triangular parcel between Sunrise Highway and North Centre Avenue. The property has remained undeveloped since a tanker truck crashed into the furniture store on Feb. 16, 2022, sparking a fire that destroyed the building.

businesses and, if they are approved, I look forward

The project recently cleared an initial hurdle when the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency granted preliminary approval for economic development benefits at its May 19 meeting. The agency stressed that the proposal still requires a public hearing and final approval before any incentives are awarded.

to welcoming them to Rockville Centre

Ed AsIp President, RVC

Chamber of Commerce

According to plans submitted to the village, the hotel would stand 38 feet tall, slightly exceeding the village’s 36-foot height limit, and have 44 streetlevel parking spaces, fewer

Freeport developer Ellis Abramson, who owns the Hampton Inn & Suites, diagonally across Sunrise Highway from the site, is leading the project. According to the IDA, the development represents an $18.6 million investment that is expected to create 80 construction jobs and 25 permanent positions.

Project attorney Peter Curry told the IDA that the hotel would generate an average of

Continued on page 20

Tooth be told, dentist retiring this month

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

Dr. Michael Rechter is stepping away from a 44-year career in dentistry and nearly four decades serving Rockville Centre patients, closing a chapter that helped shape generations of smiles while opening a new one for the practice he spent years building.

Rechter, 69, is retiring this month after 38 years in Rockville Centre, where he transformed a small dental office into what is now Long Island Dental Excellence on North Centre Avenue. While he said the decision was difficult, he felt the time was right to pursue photography, travel and spend more time with family, including his grandchildren.

“It’s the long-term relationships that I’ve had with people,” he said. “I’ve literally had patients with me since day one. It’s really a relationship. I’m so grateful,” Rechter said.

A graduate of Columbia University School of Dental Medicine, Rechter completed a residency at Englewood Hospital in New Jersey before working in several associate positions. In the late 1980s, he took over a long-established Rockville Centre practice and steadily expanded it from a one-doctor office with a small staff into a thriving multidoctor practice.

Throughout his career, Rechter embraced advances in dental technolo -

Tim Baker/Herald

Dr. Michael Rechter, left, is retiring this month after 44 years in dentistry, including nearly four decades serving Rockville Centre. Dr. Michael Heiss, right, will assume leadership of Long Island Dental Excellence.

gy, becoming an early adopter of digital radiology and same-day crown technology. He said innovations in dental materials and imaging dramatically changed the profession, but he always viewed patient trust and comprehensive care as the foundation of good dentistry.

As he prepares to step away, Rechter

has spent the past year carefully transitioning the practice to Dr. Michael Heiss, a South Shore native who will assume leadership of the office.

“It’s a very personalized practice, one-on-one, and I really wanted to find an individual to be able to take care of my patients and take care of my staff,”

Rechter said. “That’s just as important.” Heiss, 29, grew up in Long Beach, attended college at Binghamton University and earned his dental degree from Touro College of Dental Medicine before completing a hospital-based residency at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. After opening his own office in Oceanside, he began searching for an opportunity that aligned with his longterm vision.

“When I finally found his practice, it was so well-run, such a great location,” Heiss said. “The team is incredible. I had to jump on it, and I’m thankful I did. I think it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

The two dentists were introduced through a professional connection and met at the Rockville Centre office last summer. Both said they immediately recognized a shared philosophy centered on comprehensive, relationshipbased care.

One of Heiss’ primary goals during the transition has been maintaining continuity for patients and staff members who have spent years with Rechter.

“I bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm, but I also understand that I have a responsibility to honor the legacy of the practice,” Heiss said.

Rechter is also a freelance photographer for the Herald and said he will continue in that role after retiring from dentistry.

adventures. Congratulations, Class of 2026

Honoring courage, growth and resilience

Dozens of children, family and staff members, and volunteers gathered at SIBSPlace in Rockville Centre for the organization’s annual moving-up ceremony and prom.

The event on June 11 honored 11 graduates and two mental health interns, who were recognized for reaching important milestones while navigating the challenges of a loved one’s serious illness or loss.

The ceremony honored participants whose lives have been affected by a parent, sibling, grandparent or other close relative’s cancer or life-threatening illness, as well as those grieving the death of a loved one. Students were recognized for advancing to new grade levels and preparing for new opportunities in the years ahead.

Throughout the year, SIBSPlace offers peer support groups, counselingbased activities and summer camp experiences designed to help children and teens build coping skills, form friendships and connect with others facing similar circumstances. The annual ceremony provides an opportunity to celebrate the progress participants have made both personally and academically.

The moving-up ceremony was held at the organization’s Merrick Road facility, where graduates and other program participants were recognized alongside their families, mentors and supporters.

Before and after the graduation ceremony, attendees enjoyed a prom-style celebration featuring music, dancing and refreshments. The evening brought together children, families and staff members to commemorate another year of growth, perseverance and achievement.

GLYNN FUNERAL HOME

Crime watCh

harassment

On June 10, a Washington Street resident reported receiving numerous threatening calls and text messages from an unknown person.

ProPerty damage

On June 10, the Director of Facilities for the Rockville Centre School District reported that someone lit a fire on the artificial turf at Hewitt Elementary School causing damage.

UnUsUal inCidents

On June 8, a Grand Avenue resident reported someone tried to fraudulently buy Starbucks gift cards using her credit card information.

On June 9, a staff member of Temple B’nai Shalom on Hempstead Avenue reported crude graffiti drawn in chalk on their playground.

On June 10, a Baldwin resident reported that someone fraudulently altered and cashed a check she mailed.

yoUth

On June 8, a Lynbrook resident reported that several youths were shooting a gel gun in the vicinity of Lister Field.

arrests

On June 8, Bianca Bonilla-Almendares, 29, of West Babylon, was arrested and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and other traffic offenses after she was found to be driving with a suspended license on North Long Beach Road.

On June 14, Celeste Corzo, 38, of Cedarhurst, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after an investigation at the scene of a motor vehicle accident at Merrick Road and Lincoln Avenue.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Fire watCh

The Rockville Centre Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just

June 7 – June 14

General Alarms – 15

Still Alarms – 7 Rescue – 2

Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 66

Mutual Aid Fire – 4

Mutual Aid Rescue – 0

Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0

Total – 94

have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.

Year To Date

General Alarms – 256 Still Alarms – 150 Rescue – 98

Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 1,181

Mutual Aid Fire – 36

Mutual Aid Rescue – 0

Mutual Aid Ambulance – 4

Total – 1,725

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World Cup fervor spreads to Long Island

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

Kids ran around as only children can — free and without care — as adults milled around the artificial-turf field and the seats of Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on the Stony Brook University campus.

I really love the USA, and I really want to support the team.

This was the first of a few World Cup watch parties staged by Empire State Development, which promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity across New York. Several thousand people came for the soccer last Friday. The first game shown on the stadium screens was Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, being played in Toronto, as the event began at 3 p.m. Guests had a choice of watching the first game, the second game or both.

LogaN HERNaNdE z Terryville

At 7 p.m., after those teams played to a 1-1 draw, the second session got underway, and many had come to root for the Unites States Men’s National Team, playing their first game of the quadrennial global tournament, which this year is being hosting across North America, with many of the games in the U.S.

Joe Nola, a Holbrook resident, brought his son Everett, 9, a soccer fan who started playing a few years ago and took to the sport.

“[I’m here] basically for him,” Nola said of his son. “He started getting into soccer and the World Cup, and I started following it a lot more the last couple of years. He’s really excited and so am I, so we’ve been waiting to check out more soccer, and saw this and thought it would be a full opportunity to watch the USA game.”

A travel soccer team player, Everett was a bit shy, but his father said he has an affinity for the “beautiful game.”

“As a family, we’re trying to watch more and learn more about it, so this is, like, a really cool experience,” Nola said, adding of Everett. “He plays goalie. He loves the pressure, for some reason. He drives his mother crazy with the stress. He’s a big fan of [Matt] Freese [the American goalie] and a lot of the goalies that we see internationally.”

Antonella Cortez, 11, from Setauket, who also plays on a travel team, was there to cheer on Team USA.

“I’m here to watch the game,” she said matter-of-factly, adding that playing soccer is fun. Her favorite position? “Anything besides middle and goalie,” she said.

Before the featured match of Paraguay vs. USA, in Los Angeles, the band Third Eye Blind performed a roughly 30-minute set in a driving rainstorm that seemed to end just after they struck

Terryville, Liam Sobritch, of East Northport, and Connor Klinger, from Selden, all wearing USA jerseys, roleplayed interviewer and interviewee, so of course the natural thing was to interview them.

“I really love the USA,” Hernandez said, “and I really want to support the team. I hope they win the World Cup.” His analysis of the first half? “They played great. We need to space out a little more, but we could have this win.

“It was good,” Sobritch said. “We scored three, so maybe [we] space out a little more.”

“We need more spacing,” Klinger agreed, “but [we’re] amazing on the attacking.”

From an own goal by Paraguay in the opening minutes to a score by Gio Reyna in the match’s waning seconds, the U.S. team dominated in a 4-1 win. The next game for the Americans is Friday versus Australia.

Organizing events such as a World Cup Watch Party is not an easy feat.

“This is almost two years in the making,” Dan Gross, Empire State Development’s executive director for New York Special Events, said. “I drew up a plan. It really started with the governor. FIFA controls the tickets,” he added, referring to the World Cup’s governing body. “They control the ticket pricing. The need to make sure people have access.”

Gross and colleagues drew up the plan to hold watch parties across the state. They developed a grant program so that all 10 state regions across New York could have watch parties as well.

“I am very proud to say we are the only state in the nation, from a states perspective, that is truly bringing the World Cup experience to all four corners of the state,” Gross said.

For information on future news related to the World Cup Watch Experience, go to ILOVENY.com/fifa-world-cup/ community-viewing-events.

Driscoll seeks Gillen’s congressional seat

By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com

Jeanine C. Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead’s receiver of taxes, says her experience managing one of Nassau County’s most visible local offices has prepared her for a run for Congress, and she is seeking the Republican nomination in New York’s 4th District.

Driscoll, 59, a Republican and a longtime resident of Bellerose, will face Marvin Williams in next Tuesday’s primary. The winner will take on incumbent Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen in November.

Driscoll said she decided to enter the race after former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito lost to Gillen in 2024. “I was called and I found out that they were interviewing candidates,” Driscoll said. “I’ve been in office for seven years. I’ve lived in Nassau County for about 25 years. I’ve been a volunteer, I was a village judge, and I’m a lawyer. I have the life experience to do this.”

She said the timing also aligned with her family life, noting that she and her husband are now at a stage where their youngest child is heading off to college.

A central focus of Driscoll’s campaign is tax policy, an issue she said has defined her public-service career. “I have always been focused on trying to alleviate the burden of taxpayers,” she said. “That’s been my number one priority since I’ve been in office.”

As receiver of taxes, Driscoll said, she has worked to expand access to property tax exemptions and educate homeowners about available relief programs. Her office has also implemented services such as drivethrough payment windows, satellite offices, online payment options and email reminder systems.

She said she also regularly hosts seminars on tax grievances and exemptions. “I don’t leave until every question is answered,” she said. “I’ve been in libraries

at 10 o’clock at night helping people understand their taxes.”

Driscoll said that direct contact with residents has shaped her understanding of public service more than any other experience. “No one deals with constituents

every day like I do,” she said of area tax officials. “People are in my office every single day, and I hear firsthand what they’re going through.”

In Congress, she added, lawmakers often lack dayto-day exposure to constituent concerns.

Driscoll also noted her background as an attorney for more than three decades and her prior service as an associate village justice. She has also been active in community organizations, including the Floral Park Memorial PTSA and the Junior Women’s Club of Bellerose.

Her policy priorities, she said, would center on reducing costs for families through tax relief measures, changes to federal deductions and reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses. Rising insurance costs, housing prices and taxes are all contributing to what Driscoll described as an affordability crisis on Long Island.

“You have people who grew up here, raised their families here and now they can’t afford to stay,” she said. “She supports efforts to increase take-home pay by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and expanding the deduction for state and local taxes.

Asked why voters should choose her over Williams in the primary, Driscoll said that experience and familiarity with local taxpayers set her apart. “I know the residents, I know the taxpayers and I know how Nassau County works,” she said. “I’ve worked directly with people who are struggling, and I understand what they need.” She also emphasized her endorsement by the Nassau County Republican Committee.

As for what differentiates her from Gillen, Driscoll said the contrast comes down to tax policy and fiscal priorities, and that she looked forward to making her case directly to 4th District voters. “I’m all in,” she said. “I want to win this seat, and I believe I can.”

Williams is campaigning for GOP primary

By ANDREW FRANCIS

afrancis@liherald.com

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Marvin Suber Williams will face off against Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanine C. Driscoll in the Republican primary in the 4th Congressional District next Tuesday. The winner will challenge Democratic incumbent Rep. Laura Gillen in the November general election.

Williams, 64, is a lifelong New Yorker and current Garden City resident who has spent 30 years in public service as an active-duty Air Force chaplain, senior pastor and senior executive at the federal level. He is focusing his campaign to represent Nassau County’s South Shore communities on lowering costs for Long Island families, restoring public safety, securing the country’s southern border, creating congressional term limits, supporting veterans and, he said, bringing accountability to Washington D.C.

“The core lesson is exactly the same in ministry as it is in the federal government: When a mission is failing, you do not keep sending the same people back with the same plan,” Williams said. “That is not just political partisanship — that is the voters of Long Island loudly telling Washington that they have not been heard.”

Williams said that hearing those loud cries, and his love for country and community, motivated him to run for the congressional seat and create “lasting change” for Long Islanders in the 4th District, economically and socially.

“I am not running because I need a new career,” he told the Herald. “I am running because I have the time, the executive experience and the absolute political

“In

independence to do this job for the right reasons.”

Williams listed affordability, public safety and immigration, honoring veterans, and term limits as

his “four critical priorities.” Additionally, he wants to reduce energy and transportation costs, especially for Long Island.

Despite having less political experience than Driscoll and Gillen, Williams maintains that experience is far from the most important quality of a political leader.

“In this race, political tenure is not the most important asset,” he said. “Proof of capability is. Traditional political experience simply means time spent occupying a seat in a government building. Proof means tangible, measurable results you can put a clear dollar amount on – and I have those numbers.”

Williams also points out that he already has experience serving at the federal level, leading the charge for Air Force Inspection System reform and spearheading operational adjustments that, he said, saved $30 million in overseas operations at the Naval Supply Systems Command.

He believes that his military experience also makes him a more qualified candidate for Congress. He credits the lessons he has learned about service and the time spent as a senior federal executive as more than adequate background to know how to represent Long Island residents.

“Long Islanders are carrying an immense amount of economic and social worry right now,” Williams said. “They need a representative who genuinely hears them, not a career politician who reads about them in a polling memo. … My service makes me uniquely qualified, because three decades of mission-driven, results-accountable executive work is the precise preparation required for a job that demands those qualities today.”

A century of memories for village resident

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

A Rockville Centre woman marked a major milestone this month, celebrating a century of life surrounded by family and memories that has spanned generations.

Village resident MaryAnn Sherry celebrated her 100th birthday on June 5, marking a century defined by faith, family, hard work and a deep connection to the community she has called home for more than six decades.

Born in 1926 in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, Sherry was raised alongside her brother, Tony, by parents who instilled in her the values that would guide her throughout her life. Known for her kindness, warmth and strong faith, she built a life centered on family, service and relationships.

“The door was always open, she was always cooking,” said her daughter, Michelle Sherry Mosca. “They always had music going on. Everybody from the neighborhood came.”

Together with her husband, Frank, she made her home on Raymond Street in Rockville Centre, where they spent 65 years raising their six children — Denise, Debra, Robert, Michelle, Kristine and Johnny. Johnny died during the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, and Kristine died two weeks before Christmas in 2025.

“I worked hard, and I had a lot of sadness,” Sherry said. “But thank God I know they’re going to a better place. God is taking care of them, and I’ll be there with them soon.”

Sherry became a familiar face in Rockville Centre through the businesses she owned and operated with her husband. Family members said the couple opened

Graduate

what is believed to have been the village’s first pizzeria in the 1950s before later operating Sherry’s Pizzeria on Long Beach Road. They eventually expanded into the

restaurant business with Sherry’s Casa Napoli in Baldwin.

As business owners and community members, the Sherrys built strong ties throughout the area, serving generations of residents and becoming well-known figures around town. Their reputation for hospitality extended beyond their businesses and into their home, where family gatherings often centered around food, music and celebration.

Outside of work, the Sherrys enjoyed entertaining and often worked as a DJ at parties, church functions, veterans’ organizations and community events. Their connection to the community was so strong that they were even called upon to prepare a meal when Mother Teresa visited St. Agnes Cathedral.

Sherry also remained active in the community, attending services at St. Agnes, exercising regularly and spending time at many of her favorite local gathering spots. Friends and family described her as someone who never met a stranger and always enjoyed connecting with others.

“I was always working, so I was busy all the time,” she said. “And now I’m playing.”

Retirement did little to slow her down; at age 95, she began working as a hostess at Jordan Lobster Farms in Island Park.

“She didn’t want to stop working because she’s such a people person,” said her granddaughter, Lisa Lucchesi.

Among the sayings she is known for are: “Peacemakers are God’s children,” “You work hard, you play hard,” “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” and “Every morning is a good morning when you wake up.”

Today, her family includes nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

District celebrates tenure, lasting careers

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

The Rockville Centre Board of Education recognized newly tenured educators and honored retirees across the district during a public work session held at the South Side High School auditorium, celebrating staff members for both the start of secure appointments and the conclusion of long careers in education.

Superintendent Matthew Gaven and members of the Board acknowledged teachers and support staff who earned tenure in schools throughout the district, as well as employees retiring after years of service. The recognitions on June 4 highlighted personnel from every school building and several districtwide roles.

Tenure appointments included educators at South Side High School Jenny Alvarado and Andrew Christensen.

At South Side Middle School, tenure was granted to Matthew Cohen, Kieran Coughlan, Brittany Daley, Patrick Duggan, Erica Heffez, Christopher McGorty, Breanne Pinto, Nicole Tufano and Jeremy Wiley.

At William S. Covert Elementary School, Tara O’Shea, Mia Picone and Christina Rekus were recognized, along with Alexis Braddick and Anna Holloway of Jennie E. Hewitt Elementary School, Kirsten Ruvolo of Riverside Elementary School, Gabrielle Delpriore, Alexis Mergruen, Taylor Moscato and Lauren Pergola of Floyd B. Watson Elementary School, and Ashley Frey and Sean Hayes of Francis F. Wilson Elementary School.

In addition, Mikayla Gocinski, a teaching assistant at Covert, also received tenure.

The Board also recognized retirees from across the district, honoring their contributions to students, families and school communities. At South Side High School, retirees included Silvia Bonanno, Robert Lichter, Jeffrey Rubenfeld, Cynthia Vitere, Colleen DiFiglia, Tindra

Redmond, Annette Risola and Bryan Jones.

At South Side Middle School, retirees were Mary Walsh, Patricia Beaumont, Lorraine Conklin, Marie Fircz, Carolina Garzon, Helene Goldstein, Jacqueline Giacone, Teresa Vecchione and Shelagh McGinn.

At Covert, Lisa Barbato and Valerie Sprague were honored, while at Hewitt, Louise Sommers and Anne Sueiro were recognized. The Watson retirees included Patricia Montemarano, Cindy O’Brien and Jodi Schiffman, and the Wilson retirees included Mia Holmes, Phyllis Johnson and Edith Troici.

From district administration, retirees included Lorraine Brendel, Anne Gaioni, Lori Jacovetti, Joyce Manna and Karen Nyberg, along with districtwide staff member John Scalisi. Kristine Keating of St. Agnes was also recognized.

ERASE Racism hosts forum on inequality

By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

The Long Island-based advocacy group ERASE Racism held its 25th Anniversary Benefit event earlier this month, giving out awards for anti-racism and anti-discrimination work and awarding scholarships to students who embody the organization’s values.

Hundreds of guests crowded the Garden City Hotel on June 3 for a cocktail hour and to take part in ERASE Racism’s silent auction, where items ranging from artwork to lottery tickets were bid on for up to thousands of dollars. The funds will go to ERASE Racism advocacy initiatives for public education and housing equality.

Students Ria Bhatia, of Jericho High School; Edwin Montes Dubon, of Uniondale High; Zamari Paul, of Malverne High; and Janeiry Savinon, of New Hyde Park High, were each awarded $500 scholarships for winning a student essay contest. Malverne High student Matthew DaCosta was awarded the $1,500 John Wenzel Scholarship for his work with ERASE Racism.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and activist Monique Fitzgerald were honored with special awards for their advocacy against structural racism. HannahJones’s work on the 1619 Project, a New York Times Magazine and audio series

examining the beginnings of American slavery and its generational effects, was highlighted during the program.

Hannah-Jones and Elaine Gross, ERASE Racism’s founding president, had a “fireside chat,” discussing how racism continues to impact life for minorities, particularly Black communities, on Long Island and across the country.

“This is a hard time for civil rights organizations, because there is a very organized and powerful effort from the highest reaches of the government that basically is saying there is nothing

called structural racism,” Gross told the Herald before the event.

She identified an April settlement between the U.S. Justice Department and the Town of Oyster Bay over alleged housing discrimination as an example of structural racism on Long Island. In the case, which was settled in U.S. District Court, the town was found liable for “intentionally discriminating against Black individuals” by giving the children of current residents priority in purchasing housing units under its Next Generation housing program. This allegedly hindered the ability of Blacks and

other racial minorities to buy homes in predominantly white Oyster Bay.

Hannah-Jones pointed out that racism on Long Island often is not a conscious effort by residents, but rather the result of the region’s historically discriminatory structure.

“You as an individual white person don’t have to be racist at all to have your housing choices and the benefits of your housing choices shaped by a structure that you have nothing to do with creating,” she said.

Talking more about the 1619 Project and contemporary racism, Hannah-Jones contended that the sanitized way in which many schools and institutions deal with America’s racist history is counterproductive to the goal of erasing racism.

“The truth about America is deeply heartbreaking,” she said, “but I find the truth to be a liberating thing, because one can confront the truth that everything that is within the law is constructed. If you know that it’s constructed, then you know it can be deconstructed.”

Hannah-Jones acknowledged that she was not very optimistic about race relations and how discrimination is handled in the U.S., citing the current administration as a reason for such pessimism. But, she and Gross said they believe that as today’s young people advocate for social justice, they have the potential to unlock a better future for Long Island and beyond.

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Educator remembered for lifelong compassion

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Mary Hansen, a longtime Rockville Centre resident, educator, guidance counselor and tax professional, died on April 19 after a life devoted to education, family, faith and service. She was 81.

Born Mary Tucker in Manhattan in 1944, she was raised in Brooklyn, where she developed the intellectual curiosity and determination that would guide her throughout her life. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fordham University and pursued additional graduate studies at New York University and Brooklyn College. She later received a master’s degree from Hofstra University.

In 1970, Hansen ran for the New York State Assembly, demonstrating an early interest in public service and civic engagement. Two years later, in August 1972, she married Richard Hansen, beginning a partnership that would span more than five decades.

Hansen spent about 26 years working in New York City public schools, first as an English language arts teacher and later as a guidance counselor. Dedicated to helping students reach their potential, she touched countless lives through her work in classrooms and counseling offices. She also worked for more than 20 years as an enrolled agent, preparing tax returns and assisting clients with financial matters.

In 1980, a year after the birth of their son, Randell, she and her husband moved to Rockville Centre, where they lived for nearly 40 years.

Even while balancing professional and family responsibilities, Hansen continued her own education.

One of her son’s earliest memories was accompanying her to graduate classes, where he completed homework while she attended lectures, witnessing firsthand her dedication and perseverance.

After retiring from the New York City school system in 2000, Hansen devoted more time to travel. Alongside her husband and often her son, she visited

BELMONT PARK VILLAGE

destinations throughout Europe, Japan, South America and across the United States.

Family trips throughout the Northeast and visits to amusement parks became cherished traditions. Known for her adventurous spirit, she eagerly joined her son on roller coasters and thrill rides, with Space Mountain at Walt Disney World among her favorite attractions.

“I remember our trips to amusement parks when I was a kid,” Randell Hansen said. “She loved going on all the roller coasters with me.”

Hansen was also one of her son’s biggest supporters, encouraging him throughout his quest to complete marathons in all 50 states as well as major races in Berlin, London and Tokyo.

During retirement, she pursued artistic interests that reflected both her creativity and faith, including religious icon painting and botanical art. She remained active in her church community and deeply devoted to her family.

“She was a good, hardworking person,” her son said. “She loved her family, and she was deeply devoted to her church.”

In late 2018, Hansen and her husband relocated to the Sacramento area to be closer to Randell, and his wife, Heather. During the final two years of her life, the couple resided at Sunrise Senior Living in Carmichael, California.

Hansen will be remembered for her dedication to education, strong faith, artistic talents, love of travel and unwavering commitment to family. She leaves behind a legacy of learning, service and compassion that will endure through the many lives she influenced.

HERALD LittLe League

Valenti Pharmacy team builds lasting memories

The Valenti Pharmacy team capped off a memorable 2026 season in the Rockville Centre Little League Minor League division, combining steady improvement, teamwork and a love for the game while providing 13 nine-yearold players with an experience that extended well beyond wins and losses.

Sponsored by a family-owned Rockville Centre business, the team featured Alex Reid, Ben Rzeszut, Biagio Valenti, Brendan Grubb, Cole Sieling, Jack Larom, Jason Dodd, Matthew Ciancimino, Rory Bernard, Sonny D’Angelo, Sullivan Carroll, William Ng and Brady Sheehan.

The team was led by coaches Sean Sheehan, Andrew Ciancimino, James Ng, Michael Rzeszut and Pete Sieling.

Before Opening Day, the coaching staff held several practices to evaluate each player’s abilities and determine areas for growth. From there, they developed an approach that encouraged every player to improve, learn new positions and contribute in different ways.

One of the season’s unique features was a team playbook created by the coaches. The playbook introduced players to baseball terminology and tradi -

The Valenti Pharmacy Little League Minor League team wrapped up the 2026 season with three playoff wins.

tions, from “oppo taco” to “rally caps,” while also teaching defensive positioning and responsibilities in various game situations. The goal was to make learning the game both educational and fun.

The lessons carried over into the regular season, during which the team played one weeknight game and one Sat-

urday game each week. Saturdays also brought a special tradition. Coaches distributed baseball cards to players who demonstrated excellence in one of the team’s three core values: sportsmanship, making great plays or keeping their heads in the game.

By season’s end, every player had

earned recognition for effort, attitude and growth.

Although the team did not begin the season near the top of the standings, the players continued to improve with each game. Their progress became especially evident during the Minor League playoffs, which are introduced at the nineyear-old level in Rockville Centre Little League.

The playoff format features a fivegame round robin in which teams compete against one another for a spot in the championship game.Valenti Pharmacy rose to the challenge with a 3-2 record.

In the final playoff game, every player received a baseball card recognizing the effort, energy and positive attitude he brought to the season.

“I feel lucky to coach this group of boys and to work alongside such dedicated coaches,” Sheehan said. “The amount of time and care the coaches put into making sure these boys have a great experience is really special. And I know that same commitment exists across all of the Minor League teams.”

–Brian Kacharaba

performed at last year’s “music on the

and alternative favorites.

Summer concert series returns to Village Green

the program to pause in 2020.

Although many food truck operators were forced out of business during the pandemic, the concert series eventually returned. In recent years, Baxley has organized the events, recruiting performers and coordinating logistics with village departments.

The series returned in 2021 and was renamed “Music on the Green” the following year.

“We’ve had all different types of music, which I love,” Baxley said. “All the performers perform for free. We’ve had children, the South Shore Symphony, local duos, and I try to do three [concerts] a year.”

The series has featured a wide variety of musical acts, and last year the Chamber of Commerce got more involved in planning the performances.

residents from rockville Centre and surrounding communities enjoyed “music on the green” at one of last year’s concerts, gathering for live performances with friends and neighbors.

Chamber members Donna O’Reilly Einemann and Brian Croutier helped secure sponsors and recruit musicians.

“It brings the community together, and families, dogs, grandparents, everybody just really loves music,” O’Reilly Einemann said. “It’s such a vibrant village that it’s nice to pull everything together.”

Several village departments play a role in making the concerts possible. The Parks Department helps with event setup, including providing additional trash receptacles and portable restrooms while the Electric Department ensures that performers have enough lighting and power. Village staffers promote the events throughout the summer.

Music on the Green has become a gathering place for residents of all ages. Families spread blankets and lawn

chairs on the grass, children play nearby and neighbors reconnect while enjoying the music. The relaxed atmosphere has made the series a favorite summer tradition for many residents.

“I love when people come out and sit and enjoy,” Baxley said. “It’s really just for community spirit and neighbors getting together, just having a nice night out on a nice lawn right in town.”

This year’s schedule includes concerts in June, July and August, with organizers continuing to finalize details for the final summer performance. The first one, scheduled for June 25, will feature local band Those Damn Neighbors.

The Basement is scheduled to play on July 30, while the Aug. 27 performer has not yet been announced.

“It’s local bands from town,” Croutier said. “We just want people to come out and enjoy it.”

News brief

Run For Mary was one of three charities selected by the

Parade Committee for 2026.

Parade committee seeks charities for ‘27

The Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade Committee is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations interested in being named one of its three official charities for 2027.

Each year, the parade selects a local, national and Irish charitable organization to support through fundraising efforts and awareness campaigns tied to parade events and activities throughout the year.

The parade’s 2026 charities were Rescuing Families, Inc., Nassau County

Firefighters: Operation Wounded Warrior and Run For Mary. Since its founding in 1997, the parade organization has donated more than $1.8 million to charitable causes.

Applications for the 2027 charity program are due by July 20. Additional information and application details are available at RVCStPatrick.com.

Next year’s parade will take place on March 20.

–Brian Kacharaba

STEPPING OUT

Fraboni is all

on opening

Dion

his

‘Celebrity Autobiography’ is back in the spotlight

By Iris Wiener

For more than three decades, Angelo Fraboni has built a career that spans Broadway stages, national tours, arts administration, and theatrical producing. Today, while serving as Artistic Director of the Madison Theatre, on the Molloy University campus, Fraboni continues to leave his mark on the professional theater world as a producer of Broadway’s “Celebrity Autobiography,” the comedic sensation currently delighting audiences once again after its original Drama Deskwinning run in 2008.

The show, created by Eugene Pack, takes passages from celebrity memoirs and transforms them into a live comedy event performed by well-known actors. For Fraboni, the appeal of the production has remained remarkably consistent since he first became involved. “Laughter,” he says when asked why the show continues to resonate.

“Everyone needs something to laugh at and just enjoy where you don’t have to think very hard. It’s easy laughter. We’re not making fun of people; we’re just reading this banal dialogue that people write in their autobiographies.”

That spirit of spontaneity has helped make “Celebrity Autobiography” a unique theatrical experience. Unlike most productions, the cast has little rehearsal time together before stepping onstage.

“The actors are cracking each other up as much as they’re cracking up the audience,” Fraboni says. “The greatest thing about the show is the rawness of it and these celebrities being human on stage with each other. It’s glorious.”

Fraboni has been involved with the production since its early years, serving as both producer and general manager before focusing exclusively on producing. He has helped bring the show to audiences across the United States and around the world, while continuing to oversee one of its most challenging components: casting. While the rotating cast has already featured the likes of Katie Couric, Rita Wilson, Keenan Thompson, and Tony Shalhoub, it also has an especially strong Long Island connection, featuring local entertainment icons such as Alan Zweibel, Susan Lucci, Ralph Macchio, and Ray Romano. Pack and co-producer

Douglas Denoff are also from the area.

While Fraboni’s current work places him at the center of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, his path to producing began far from New York. Raised in a mining town in northern Minnesota, he started ballet lessons at age six alongside his twin brother.

“I was really into sports,” he recalls. “My mom and dad said, ‘Why don’t you take ballet? It will help with your athleticism.’”

What began as an extracurricular activity soon became a career. After high school, Fraboni joined a ballet company and performed professionally for five years. A chance audition for “West Side Story” during an off-season changed everything. The opportunity introduced him to acclaimed choreographer and director Jerry Mitchell, who cast Fraboni in six of his first seven productions. The experience ultimately led to his Broadway debut in “Cats” and opened doors throughout the industry.

As a performer, Fraboni developed a habit that would later serve him well as a producer and artistic leader.

“I would listen and watch,” he says. “I wanted to hear what the directors and choreographers were saying. I was very tuned in to what was going on.”

Eventually, curiosity about the creative process led him offstage and into producing. The transition revealed a side of theater audiences rarely see.

“As a performer, you show up to the theater do your job, and get your paycheck,” he says. “As a producer, you’re working constantly for months and months, sometimes years. Your job is never done.”

That commitment to building opportunities for others became the foundation of his work at Molloy University. Fraboni’s connection to the institution dates back more than two decades, when he helped bring Broadway legend Carol Channing to campus for a gala performance. There, he met then-president Drew Bogner, who shared plans to build a theater. One decade later, Fraboni received a call encouraging him to apply for the artistic director position at the newly constructed Madison Theatre.

“It was still a shell,” he remembers. “I was instrumental in how they built the infrastructure.”

Over the next 15 years, Fraboni transformed the Rockville Centre venue into a regional performing arts center featuring Broadway-caliber productions, symphony performances, international artists, jazz concerts, and educational opportunities. He also played a key role in bringing the renowned CAP21 musical theater program to Molloy, creating new pathways for aspiring performers.

“The idea was to make it an arts center with a variety of art,” he says. “I wanted it to be a regional theatre and performing arts center, but also give the students the opportunity to grow and perform with professionals.”

Despite balancing productions at Molloy with responsibilities on “Celebrity Autobiography,” Fraboni says the rewards make the long hours worthwhile.

“The joys are the audiences laughing and enjoying what we do,” he says. “We create what we think will be the best thing possible for our audiences to see, and the payoff is when they enjoy it.”

Whether producing a Broadway comedy, mentoring students at Molloy, or developing new artistic opportunities on Long Island, Fraboni remains committed to the idea that theater is ultimately about people coming together.

“There’s nothing like going to the theater, laughing with people, and experiencing a journey,” he says. “Everybody is emotionally affected differently by a show. That’s inspiring to me.”

Visit celebrityautobiography.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

A familiar favorite returns to a legendary stage as Dion takes the spotlight for a concert honoring Westbury Music Fair’s 70th anniversary. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, whose history with the iconic venue spans decades, is returning to live performance after stepping back from regular touring in recent years. While he has been largely absent from the concert circuit, Dion has remained remarkably productive, releasing new music and books while continuing to earn acclaim for his blues recordings. In the past two years alone, he released The Rock and Roll Philosopher along with a companion book, further showcasing the creativity that has defined a career spanning more than six decades. His recent blues albums have topped the Billboard Blues chart, introducing his work to new audiences while reaffirming his place among America’s enduring musical voices. Best known for classic hits such as “Runaround Sue,” “The Wanderer,” and “Ruby Baby,” Dion continues to evolve as an artist well into his 80s.

Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.

Daniel Tosh

Get ready for an evening of sharp observations and quick-fire punchlines that are Daniel Tosh’s signature irreverent style when he brings My First Farewell Tour to he Paramount stage. Acclaimed for his quick wit and deadpan delivery, he’s built a devoted following through both stand-up and television. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in marketing, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue comedy full-time. His career gained national attention following a standout appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2001, leading to appearances Comedy Central Presents, Premium Blend and The Tonight Show. Tosh became a household name as the creator and host of Tosh.0, the longrunning Comedy Central hit that paired viral internet videos with his trademark commentary and satirical take on pop culture.

Tuesday, June 23, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

18,

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Jun

18

Dan Freedman rocks

Guitarist Dan Freedman presents a solo show at the George Martin

The Original. Enjoy classic rock favorites, blues, folk and newer rock music.

• Where: 65 N. Park Ave, Rockville Centre

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 678-7272

Jun

19

FIFA World Cup Watch Party

Soccer fans are invited to Eisenhower Park for Soccer In The Park, a free public watch party for the FIFA World Cup match between the United States and Australia. The viewing will feature a live match broadcast, giveaways, family-friendly activities, concessions and more. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor viewing. Free parking is available, with Lots 6 and 6A closest to the venue. Free parking is available.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 572-0200 TheIslandFC.com

Jun

22

Apple/Android help

Meet with the Rockville Centre Public Library’s IT Specialist to get help with basic phone or tablet questions, such as navigating apps, using digital media, moving files, etc. Come with questions. No registration required.

• Where: 221 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 10 a.m.

• Contact: rvclibrary.org or (516) 766-6257

Tunes with The Chiclettes

Eisenhower Summer Concert Series welcomes The Chiclettes and Vinnie Medugno. Celebrate the remarkable women who reigned supreme on the charts! Gracie, Mikayla, and Jennie deliver an exceptional blend of female vocal groups and artists, spanning from the early Rock & Roll and Motown eras to Disco, R&B, 80’s/90’s pop and more. The Chiclettes are set to energize you as they celebrate the female artists who have graced the music scene from past to present.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 572-0200

Stavros Halkias

Stavros Halkias’s The Dreamboat Tour hits the Paramount stage. He delivers the sharp observations, self-deprecating humor and quick wit that have made him one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars. Originally from Baltimore and now based in New York City, Halkias recently wrote, produced and starred in the independent comedy Let’s Start a Cult. His latest standup special, Fat Rascal, is streaming on Netflix, following the success of his debut special, Live at the Lodge Room, which attracted millions of viewers online. Beyond the stage, Halkias hosts the hit podcast Stavvy’s World, which quickly climbed the comedy charts and built a devoted following. He also stars in the Netflix comedy series Tires and is set to appear in A24’s Tony, inspired by the life of Anthony Bourdain. Known for his candid storytelling and relatable humor, Halkias has built a loyal fan base through stand-up, podcasting and acting. He has also been featured in Steven Soderbergh’s sci-fi series Command Z. Outside of comedy, he made his runway debut at KidSuper’s Paris Fashion Week show in 2023, earning Vogue’s nod as “the plus-est of plus-size models.” His ultimate dream? Get just famous enough to buy his mother a nice home — then retire from show business to open a surf-and-turf restaurant in East Baltimore.

• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Jun

25

Midsummer Jazz

Old Westbury Gardens hosts Monk for President, an ensemble that’s redefined the art of the jazz trio. Glafkos Kontemeniotis (piano), Fred Berman (bass) and Vince ‘Kazi’ McCoy (drums) deliver a high-wire act of musical conversation. From timeless standards to deep-cut favorites, and originals from Glafkos. Their improvisation has graced iconic stages like Bryant Park, Central Park Summer Stage and the Schomburg Center. Don’t miss this masterclass in intuitive jazz. Before, during, or after, stroll the gardens decorated with floral arrangements and illuminated with lanterns. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic dinner.

$40 (includes light season fair and beverages), with member discount. Additional wine, beer and prosecco may be purchased separately.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: Gates open at 6 p.m., concert 7-9 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048

Grooves with Paul Effman Band

The Paul Effman Band will present a patriotic concert celebrating America’s 250th birthday as part of the Rockville Centre Public Library’s summer reading kickoff. Hear patriotic favorites and popular hits spanning multiple decades in a musical tribute to the nation’s cultural history. Registration is now open.

• Where: 221 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: rvclibrary.org or (516) 766-6257

Music on the Green Rockville Centre’s popular Music on the Green summer concert series returns with a performance by Those Damn Neighbors on the Village Green. The concert marks the first of three shows scheduled as part of the village’s summer music series, a longtime community tradition that brings residents together for an evening of live entertainment under the stars. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a relaxing summer night with family, friends and neighbors.

• Where: Village Green, Maple Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 678-9300

• Where: 47 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 10 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 594-4000

Jun

Freestyle meets salsa

Get

• Where: Harry Chapin

Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m

• Contact: (516) 572-0200

Point Lookout

Independence Day

Fireworks/Concert

Hempstead Town celebrates our nation’s 250th Birthday with its annual Concert and Fireworks spectacular. Residents should anticipate travel delays — Loop Parkway and Lido Boulevard are typically closed in all directions by 9 p.m. and will remain closed until the conclusion of the Fireworks, around 10:30 p.m. There will be no vehicular access to enter or exit Point Lookout during this time. In the event of inclement weather, rain date is June 28.

• Where: Point Lookout Town Park, Point Lookout

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

Jun 26

‘The American Revolution: Ep. 4’

Rockville Centre Public Library’s Friday Flicks series will feature Episode 4 of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution, titled “Conquer.” The episode explores the British capture of Philadelphia and the Americans’ pivotal victory at Saratoga, which helped secure French support during the Revolutionary War. The screening is intended for adult audiences.

• Where: 221 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: rvclibrary.org or (516) 766-6257

Rockin’ with the Almost Brothers Band Rock on during the Eisenhower Summer Concert Series. Enjoy an Allman Brothers tribute with ABB and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute with Sons of Skynyrd.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 572-0200

Grooves with Krush Rock band Krush returns to the Tap Room for another memorable show.

• Contact: (516) 292-5000 ext. 4304

Having an event?

Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

JU JULY 16 M M-122:30PM 6 • 10 10AM-12

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

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Hotel proposed for former La-Z-Boy space

about $202,000 annually in payments in lieu of taxes under a proposed 20-year agreement. The project, Curry said, is expected to produce roughly $8.4 million in annual business activity and about $2.5 million in earnings, while generating an estimated $3.7 million in economic benefits during construction. The developer is also seeking sales and mortgage tax abatements.

Abramson told IDA members that the Hampton Inn operates at roughly 94 percent occupancy year-round and is frequently sold out, noting that demand for hotel rooms on Long Island’s South Shore remains strong.

“We feel that this is very much needed in the South Shore of Long Island, where there is no more real room to build anything and the demand is very, very high,” Abramson told the agency.

Tru by Hilton is a midscale, limitedservice brand that typically offers amenities including complimentary breakfast and a fitness center. The new hotel, Abramson said, would complement rather than compete with the Hampton Inn, allowing the two properties to serve different segments of the market.

He explained that the Hampton Inn attracts business travelers, airline crews and visitors attending local events. Airline crews, he added, often choose Rockville Centre because of its proximity to the Long Island Rail Road and local restaurants.

The proposed site is within walking distance of the Rockville Centre LIRR station and about a half-mile from the downtown business district. If approved, the hotel would join others in the area such as the Best Western Mill River Manor, Ramada by Wyndham and

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of CJ MARTINO CONSULTING LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on April 29, 2026 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 14 May Court Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Purpose: any lawful act.

160397

LEGAL NOTICE

Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Notice of Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Date: June 24, 2026

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 340 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Zoning Appeals

Hearing at the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall 1 College Place, Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m.

LEGAL NOTICE

June 24, 2026 at 7:00

PM

Case # 08-2026 - 150 Sunrise Highway LLCAdjourned from May 6th, 2026

To Construct a hotel in a “Business A District”, where 10-foot front yard setbacks are required and 0 feet is provided on Sunrise Highway, 1’-0” on Centre Ave, 0’-7” on Merrick Road, with a height of three stories 38 feet where three stories 36 feet is permitted, where the Parking Bay Dimension for two-way traffic of a double loaded bay is 58’-0” where 63’-4” is required and where 63 parking spaces are requires and 44 parking spaces are provided and is subject to a substantial Occupancy Permit from the Board of Appeals.

Premises known as 150 Sunrise Highway

Case # 12-2026 -

Rockville Cars 1 LLC, D/B/A Nissan of Rockville Centre-

Adjourned from May 6th, 2026

Renewal of an expired parking variance (Case # 34-2022 September 21st, 2022) for a period of three (3) years.

Premises known as 700 Sunrise Highway

Case # 15-2026 - Sean & Caitlin McEntee

To construct a onestory rear addition, construct a second story addition over existing first story, with a proposed side yard setback of 3.9 feet where 8.0 feet is the minimum required, aggregate side yards of 9.7 feet where 10.0 feet is the minimum required, a rear yard setback of 12.45 feet where 25.0 feet is the minimum required, and convert part of the attached garage to living space and provide 0 off-street parking spaces beyond the required front setback where 1 is the minimum required within a Residence A District.

Premises known as 12 Addison Place

Case # 16-2026Patrick Kelly & Isabella Varvaro

To construct a onestory rear addition, and convert part of the attached garage to living space and provide 0 off-street parking spaces beyond the required front setback where 1 is the minimum required within a Residence A District.

Premises known as 39 Brevoort Place

Dated: June 11, 2026

BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, Rockville Centre, New York

J. Robert Schenone, Chairman

Patrick D. O’Brien, Secretary Information and records for appeals cases are available at the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Appeals, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC, NY 160804

parking, height, setbacks and other dimensional requirements.

The unusual shape of the property and traffic impacts have become central issues. During last month’s IDA meeting, Abramson said that a traffic study had determined that a hotel would generate less traffic than retail, office or medical uses. “It’s the least impact,” he said.

According to John Matthews Jr., counsel to the Board of Zoning Appeals, the public hearing opened April 8 and is continuing. It was adjourned, he said, to allow the board to obtain an independent review of Abramson’s parking analysis.

The application was scheduled to return to the BZA on June 10, but the hearing was adjourned until June 24. Matthews said that testimony from residents and other interested parties will continue when the hearing resumes, with a vote likely coming in a later work session.

Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce President Ed Asip said that another hotel could help local businesses.

the Rockville Centre Inn.

Curry told the IDA that Abramson submitted letters of support from local businesses, and village officials were aware of the proposal, though local approvals remain pending.

“This proposed hotel will bring new jobs and taxes to the town and other jurisdictions, while providing hotel rooms on the South Shore, where demand is strong but supply is insufficient,” Fred Parola, chief executive officer of the IDA, said in a statement announcing the preliminary approval.

According to the IDA, the project does not require a zoning change and is already zoned for business use.

The proposal is also before the Rockville Centre Board of Zoning Appeals. A May 6 legal notice indicates that Abramson is seeking variances for

“The Hampton Inn has excellent management and is a great member of the chamber, and always promotes Rockville Centre businesses to its guests,” Asip said. “In my personal opinion, I think the new hotel will benefit our downtown businesses, and if they are approved, I look forward to welcoming them to Rockville Centre.”

Village officials have declined to comment while the matter remains before the zoning board.

“Providing any statement could be perceived as an attempt to influence the Board’s review and decision-making process,” village spokeswoman Julie Grilli wrote in an email. “We remain committed to respecting the integrity and independence of that process.”

Curry and Abramson did not return multiple calls seeking additional comment beyond their statements at the IDA meeting.

EMPLOYMENT

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DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

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Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or

HomesHERALD

A new pool, and the fence around it

Beautiful Cape

Apartments For Rent

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Welcome to this beautifully maintained expanded Cape in the Salisbury section of Westbury in the East Meadow school district. Offering 4-5 bedrooms and a versatile floor plan, this home is perfectly suited for today's lifestyle. The updated kitchen flows seamlessly into the comfortable living spaces, including a spacious living room and formal dining room. A striking double-sided wood-burning fireplace adds warmth and character, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout the main living areas. The first floor offers exceptional flexibility, featuring a

Q. I’m putting in a pool, and have to raise the property on the side closest to my property line by about 18 inches. I see that my permit shows I can’t go over 6 feet for the fence. What I want to do is build a wall along the property line using the concrete interlocking blocks that are made for this, and I remember from a previous column you wrote that the wall also needs a permit. Am I going to have problems getting the fence and wall approved, because the company that makes the blocks shows that they go right onto compacted gravel and not the concrete foundation you wrote about? Also, the fence will be 6 feet tall on my side, but at least 7 feet 6 inches on my neighbor’s side. Is that going to be a problem? I want to do this right away, so I can enjoy the pool this summer. Should I just do it and see what an inspector says, if anything?

A. You have given this a lot of thought. I will answer each question as well as possible. The reason for my doubt is that communities have differing opinions, and even inspectors have differing views. The real problem is that until, and sometimes even after, you get a final sign-off, anything that wasn’t documented on the plans is fair game for nullifying the approval, requiring refiling for a new permit.

The block wall can only go on a compacted gravel bed if the ground is stable — not in a flood plain or previously reclaimed land, such as in a neighborhood that was once marshland — and if the gravel bed reaches a 90 percent compaction level, according to manufacturers. This compaction is achieved only by using heavy equipment and extreme force, so if you plan to shovel it in and tamp it down, think twice. Fortunately, the wall movement will be hardly noticeable unless sections sag from the weight of the block and the horizontal shifting of the earth, which mainly occur with the help of water buildup and extremes like the weeks of below-freezing weather a few months ago that most people have already forgotten.

The fence height is another mixed bag of opinions. I’ve had to appear for clients at zoning hearings because of just such circumstances, where there was a problem achieving the 6-foot height and the uneven land dilemma. In other, similar circumstances, another inspector in the same jurisdiction said not to bother and passed the approval without the need to go through the hearing process. I believe that good fences make good neighbors, as Robert Frost wrote. The height issue should only come into play when a neighbor is harmed or potentially harmed by the height, such as if the fence blocks sunlight.

I can never recommend building something without approvals, as a licensed professional, but I am seeing more often that people hate the word “permit.” Good luck!

2026 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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So we set off to meet the new Notre Dame coach . . .

i’ve told this story before, but friends say it always bears retelling. Four years ago this month, a group of us experienced in just a few hours some truly high moments followed by some comedic screwups that still make us shake our heads.

Nassau County Republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo, my law school roommate Tom Curtin and I are Notre Dame graduates, and fanatical followers of Fighting Irish football. When we heard that then new football coach Marcus Freeman would be speaking at a Notre Dame event at the Union League Club in Manhattan, we decided to attend and then go to dinner afterward.

Melissa Zimmerman, a retired Nassau County Police Department detective who was on my security detail when I was in Congress and was still doing security work for me, coordinated the logistics for the evening. We took my car, picked up Cairo at his North Valley Stream home and made it to the city in

plenty of time. Zimmerman parked the car in a garage a few blocks from the Union League, and once there we met up with Curtin, who, as usual, knew someone who knew someone and got us into a pre-event gathering with just a small group of alumni and Freeman, who was friendly and generous with his time. Couldn’t have been a better moment for Notre Dame guys.

AFollowing the larger reception downstairs, we went to Sam’s Place, a terrific Italian restaurant on East 39th Street, where we were joined by my son, Sean, another Notre Dame graduate. The conversation was filled with reminiscing, and expressions of hope that Freeman would restore Notre Dame football’s golden luster.

Despite a sign that said it would be open for a few more hours, the garage were locked tight. We rang the bell. No answer. It started raining harder. We were the only people on the street.

nd what followed forced us to find our way home in the rain in a very sketchy Uber.

The always prepared Curtin produced an umbrella and decided to walk to the NYAC. Zimmerman, seeing her brilliant planning coming undone, was on her phone trying to find an Uber to drive us to North Valley Stream. Minutes went by; no taxicab, no Uber. Cairo, one of the nation’s most powerful political leaders, was standing in the rain, looking down 39th Street.

windshield. Eventually we made it to Cairo’s home, where he obligingly paid the driver and, adding insult to injury, at Zimmerman’s suggestion, gave the man a generous tip. He shook his head as he got out.

Next, Zimmerman tracked down a friend to drive us to my home in Seaford, and then, because her car keys were in my car in the Manhattan parking garage, to drive her to her Bellmore home.

Afterward, as we were outside on the street posing for a group photo, Zimmerman couldn’t help congratulating herself on her logistical success. Sean said he would walk to his nearby apartment and said good night. There was a drizzle of rain, but the garage was a block away; nothing to worry about. Curtin, who lives in Jersey, was staying at the New York Athletic Club, so we offered to drop him off.

TAfter several long minutes, a broken-down, filthy-looking, barely operable car pulled up. The driver held a cardboard sign with “Uber” scrawled in magic marker. Speaking with a thick foreign accent, he asked where we were going. North Valley Stream, Zimmerman told him.

“No problem,” he said. We warily got in the car — Zimmerman, the seasoned detective, in the front, and Cairo and I in the back. The driver seemed to have a hard time finding his way out of Manhattan as Zimmerman tried to guide him, and rain splashed against the

Because my wife, Rosemary, knew I’d be coming home late, she had decided to sleep in the back bedroom. When she got up in the morning and didn’t saw my car, she didn’t know whether to call the cops or the emergency room. Moments later, as I recounted the events of the previous evening, she shook her head with the look of a woman thinking, why did I ever marry this guy?

Good question.

Later that morning, Zimmerman took an LIRR train to Manhattan to retrieve my car and her keys and complain to the parking garage manager about his misleading closing-time sign. The saga of the Notre Dame football coach and the locked garage was over, but none of us has ever forgotten it.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

A crisis at a journalistic institution

here are a number of ways to frighten a politician. I could recite a few, but there’s nothing more frightening then telling an elected official that “‘60 Minutes’ wants to talk to you.” For almost 60 years, the show has been more than a television program. It is one of the few that has held powerful corporations, governments and individuals to account for their conduct. Like it or not, “60 Minutes” has been the conscience of the nation.

During its time on our television screens, the show has exposed the tobacco industry’s lies, the failures of the Veterans Administration and the abuses of Wall Street, to name just a few of its in-depth investigations. It has done so week after week, in prime time, watched by millions of Americans who might never have read an investigative newspaper series but would sit down on a Sunday night and absorb a piece of journalism that changed what they knew, and sometimes what the country knew.

That institution, in any meaningful sense, is now gone. What has taken place over the past year is a cautionary tale about what happens when corporate fear meets political intimidation and what is lost when the two converge. The chain of events that got us here started in April 2025, when Bill Owens resigned at executive producer of “60 Minutes.” He was only the third person to hold that job in 57 years. That was followed by the resignation of CBS President Wendy McMahon.

W hy all the drama at ‘60 Minutes’ matters beyond the television industry.

The reason for both departures was that Paramount, the parent company of CBS, was seeking federal approval for its merger with Skydance Media. The Trump administration had leverage over the deal, and it was clear that it was prepared to use it. Then CBS settled a lawsuit with the president with a payment of $16 million. The optics should have been a tipoff of what was yet to come.

What happened next confirmed everyone’s worst fears. Bari Weiss became editor in chief of CBS News, installed by the new owners. While Weiss is a competent writer, she knew nothing about television news. Last

month she fired veteran “60 Minutes” correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, the first Latina correspondent in the show’s history. That was followed by numerous other layoffs of longtime staffers. It’s worth noting that, months earlier, Weiss pulled a segment off the air that dealt with Trump administration deportees held in a Salvadoran prison. It eventually ran, but that sent another signal.

The final touch in the dismantling of a journalistic institution was the firing of Scott Pelley, who helped make “60 Minutes” what it was. Pelly is the modern-day version of what Walter Cronkite was in his time, and the loss of his voice is a loss for all of us who believe in investigative journalism.

So why does this matter beyond the television industry? Investigative journalism is a mechanism by which citizens of a democracy learn what their government and their corporations are actually doing, as opposed to what they are told they’re doing.

What do weekly newspapers have to do with this type of reporting? Willamette Week, the Village Voice and the Riverdale Press are just a few of the

weeklies that have won Pulitzer Prizes. Consider what happens when a weekly newspaper is sold. If a new owner has different priorities, different allegiances or a fear of generating controversy, it’s the beginning of the end of fair coverage for their readership. When a new owner takes over, the staff remains for a time. The nameplate stays the same, but the readers may sense the change before they can articulate it.

Identity and credibility aren’t assets that appear on a balance sheet, but they are one of the most fragile assets a paper possesses. You might have noticed that the Herald has both Republican Peter King and Democrat Jerry Kremer as columnists. That’s because the owner values all opinions.

The dismantling of “60 Minutes” because of political pressure and corporate self-interest is a message to newsrooms all over America. It is a reminder that the public can’t afford to ignore what takes place before their eyes. We need good and honest journalism, and should be supportive of those who practice it.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.

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HERALD

eStart exercising your electoral muscles

very election cycle brings a familiar refrain: “This is the most important election of our lifetime.” The phrase is often overused, but the underlying message remains true. Democracy only works when citizens participate, and that participation begins long before Election Day in November.

For New Yorkers, that opportunity starts with next Tuesday’s primary election, which determines which candidates represent each political party on the ballot in November’s general election. Too often, primary elections are overlooked. Turnout is routinely far lower than in general elections, even though primaries frequently determine who will ultimately hold office.

In many districts, particularly those dominated by one political party, the primary is effectively the most competitive election voters will see. Yet thousands of eligible voters stay home, leaving crucial decisions in the hands of a small fraction of the electorate.

Voting is more than a civic duty; it is one of the few opportunities citizens have to directly influence the direction of their communities, states and nation. The issues debated during campaigns — taxes, public safety, education, transportation, housing affordability, health care, environmental policy and economic development — impact residents every day. Whether voters are satisfied with current leadership or eager for change, the ballot box remains the most powerful tool available to make their voices heard.

The 2026 election cycle will determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, institutions that shape federal policy on everything from spending and taxation to national security and judicial appointments. Midterm elections have historically served as a

letters

How to register to vote and find your polling place

Nassau County: Go to the Nassau County Board of Elections website: nassaucountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.

Suffolk County: Go to the Suffolk County Board of Elections website: suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.

referendum on the direction of the country, and they often produce significant shifts in political power.

Yet those outcomes are frequently decided by a relatively small number of voters. Nationally, turnout in midterm elections, like 2026, is typically lower than during presidential years. That means individual votes carry even greater weight.

New York voters face an unusual circumstance. Due to a court ruling involving the state’s congressional district maps, several elected officials who only recently won office must once again make their cases to voters. As a result, some communities will see campaigns and races return to the ballot much sooner than expected.

Rather than viewing this as election fatigue, we hope that voters see it as an opportunity. Democracy is strengthened when elected officials remain accountable to the people they represent. Frequent elections require candidates to engage with constituents, explain their records and articulate their plans for the future. Those elections also give voters a chance to evaluate whether promises made during previous campaigns have

Ben Franklin’s wise words? If only.

To the Editor:

Re Jerry Kremer’s column, “Much of what Ben Franklin said is being ignored,” in the June 4-10 issue: To use Franklin to compare the personal qualities of top officials then and now is very appropriate, for it points a way forward.

When Franklin connected the maintenance of the republic to the character of its members, he knew whereof he spoke. He was well studied in history, the qualities of his compatriots were well known to him, and he was fully experienced in the effort that went into the maintenance of “virtue.” His statements that “only a virtuous people are capable of freedom” and about the tendency of corruption to bring on “masters” were deadly serious advice about the kind of citizens necessary to “keep” the republic.

been fulfilled.

Congressional races often receive the most attention, but local and state elections — for Assembly members, village mayors, town council members, and more — can have an equally profound impact on daily life. Decisions made by state lawmakers influence school funding, transportation projects, environmental protections, public health initiatives and countless other issues that directly affect neighborhoods. The officials chosen this year will help shape policies and budgets that residents will live with for years to come.

Unfortunately, many Americans have become increasingly cynical about politics. Some believe their vote doesn’t matter. Others feel frustrated by partisan divisions or disappointed by the pace of change. Those feelings are understandable, but disengagement isn’t the answer. History repeatedly demonstrates that elections can be decided by razor-thin margins. A handful of votes can determine a local race. Every voter who participates increases the legitimacy of the democratic process and helps ensure that election results reflect the will of the broader community.

Next week’s primary should therefore be viewed as more than a procedural step on the path to November. It is the opening chapter of an election season that will help determine who represents us and what priorities those leaders pursue.

Voters should take the time now to learn about the candidates, understand the issues and confirm their registration status. They should familiarize themselves with polling locations, early voting opportunities and absentee ballot options if needed.

The road to November begins next Tuesday. The most important thing voters can do is show up and vote.

opinions

Nassau drivers need gas tax relief — now

Gas prices across our region continue to climb, and nassau County has a tool to provide residents with immediate relief: capping the price per gallon that is subject to county sales tax.

Under the current system, even when fuel prices spike, the county continues collecting a sales tax of 4.25 percent. There is no adjustment for an unusual, sustained price surge. The math is simple: The higher the price, the more the county collects in taxes, creating a windfall for the government. residents, workers and small businesses shoulder this additional expense without receiving the benefit of readily available relief.

affordability remains one of the defining challenges facing nassau families. Higher fuel costs touch nearly every aspect of daily life — commuting to work, running a business, getting children to school, caring for aging parents, and keeping household budgets intact. When gas prices rise sharply, the

Letters

Franklin made for himself a chart of seven columns, one for each day of the week, and 13 rows listing the 13 virtues he considered important enough to track. He focused on one per week, and marked his shortfalls. “Tho’ I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of attaining,” he wrote, “but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavor, a better and happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it.”

Most citizens — and very few politicians — would be hard-pressed to even name 13 virtues, confused today with ideology. We know that George Washington had his own written self-guide, and self-improvement was a popular theme at the time, in line with efforts at improving society by improving the people. Citizens today should make their own list of virtues, make an honest attempt to abide by them, and insist on representatives who share the effort. Franklin’s words should be remembered, as should his efforts to attain virtue and thus be a good citizen of our republic.

BrIan Kelly Rockville Centre

Comments about our stories?

Send a letter to the editor to execeditor@liherald.com.

impact is immediate and unavoidable. as of this writing, according to aaa, average fuel prices in our region stand at $4.449 per gallon for regular, $5.345 for premium, and $5.810 for diesel — more than 40 percent higher than at this time last year.

In april, legislator Cynthia nunez proposed a bill with the support of the Democratic caucus to temporarily cap the taxable price of gasoline and diesel at $3 per gallon for six months. This mirrors the approach nassau adopted in 2022, when global instability sent fuel prices soaring after russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ytion. even residents who rarely drive feel the ripple effects through higher delivery costs and increased prices for goods and services.

every extra dollar spent at the pump is a dollar not spent on groceries, rent, utilities, child care or local businesses.

et we can’t vote on a bill that would temporarily cap the taxable price of gas.

The concept is straightforward: When residents are paying unusually high prices at the pump, the county shouldn’t profit from that hardship. a temporary cap provides direct, measurable relief in an area where residents feel the strain acutely.

This matters especially in nassau County, where driving is often a necessity. Our communities were not built around subways or dense transit networks. Contractors, home health aides, delivery drivers, first responders, teachers and working parents all rely on their cars as the sole means of transporta-

Given these realities, proposals that offer targeted temporary relief deserve to be heard and considered. yet the Blakeman administration has not allowed this bill to come before the legislature for a vote.

What makes this especially concerning is that no explanation has been offered. There’s no published fiscal analysis suggesting that the county can’t afford a temporary cap. In fact, the estimated sales tax revenue on gas in the county budget was forecast at $3 per gallon, so setting a temporary cap at that amount would have no negative impact on the county from a fiscal perspective. There is no operational barrier — nassau implemented this exact policy in 2022. There has been no meaningful response, dialogue or alternative proposal offering residents any other form of relief.

In short, nothing prevents legislators

Framework by Tim Baker

from voting on a measure that would help residents stem the tide of rising costs. When a credible, practical tool exists and no substantive objections are raised, inaction leaves residents to absorb the burden without justification. It also perpetuates the public’s belief that government is out of touch with the realities many people confront every day. This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Gasoline doesn’t have a party affiliation. every resident pays the same price when they pull up to the pump, and every household feels the pressure when filling a tank becomes more expensive. a temporary gas tax cap is familiar, proven and easy to implement. It requires no new bureaucracy, no longterm commitments and no complicated rollout. What it does require is the willingness to act.

nassau residents deserve more than statements about affordability. They deserve meaningful action that reflects the financial pressures they face every day. The Blakeman administration should allow this proposal to move forward and let the legislature vote. nassau County has provided this relief before. now is the time for the county to act again. let’s work together to deliver meaningful relief for our residents.

Scott Davis represents Nassau County’s 1st Legislative District.

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